"A?? ??revolution!"
This is what Minister of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage, Dr. Denis Lowe, believes that the joint Government and Central Bank-sponsored?????? Alternative Energy Workshop signals.
Addressing the final day of the forum this morning, Minister Lowe said: "Today, we celebrate what can only be considered a revolution. Your presence here gives me hope that Barbadians are no longer comfortable with… energy generation waste management methods and the wasteful approach of the past, but that we are ready to move forward to a more sustainable way of energy generation, conservation and use."
Citing Harrison’s Cave as an example of the feasibility of incorporating green principles into major development projects without compromising the quality of the finished product, Minister Lowe said the challenge was for other developers to "be as green" in their developments, and for Barbadians, in general, to "live more green"?? and to do their part in?? helping to preserve?? our natural heritage.
Dr. Lowe told delegates at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, that the Vaucluse Solid Waste facility was a key component in the modernisation of the management of solid waste in Barbados.
??"Solid waste represents a resource from which we can recover energy. The inclusion of a waste-to-energy facility and a landfill gas-to-energy facility into our solid waste mix will allow us to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, generate electricity and significantly extend the life of our landfills," he underlined.
Pledging the Ministry’s continued efforts towards the development of the green economy, Minister Lowe underscored the need to be cognisant of the environment and to seek to minimise negative effects.
"It is our collective responsibility to get involved in greener approaches to construction, recycling, composting, waste minimisation and the generation of green energy. Take up the challenge and I give you my assurance that the Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage will work along with you… as we continue to work towards the protection and enhancement of our built and natural environment," he?? assured.??cgaskin@barbados.gov.bb